Special Education Law

Special education law consists of a series of legal dictates to monitor and protect students with specialized educational needs due to their disability status. Although these laws were designed to safeguard students’ educational rights in general, stipulations regarding appropriate measurement, evaluation, and research are embedded within this body of legislation. Understanding and following the laws and regulations pertaining to special education ensures both best practice and legal compliance when working with students with special education needs. This entry provides an overview of legislation relevant to research, measurement, and evaluation involving students in special education. Specifically addressed are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015.